Rent Our Space - Indiana Humanities

The historic Nicholson House offers limited indoor and outdoor space for mission-aligned nonprofit organizations in need of conference or retreat space

Since 1986, Indiana Humanities has operated out of the Nicholson House at 1500 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis’s Old Northside neighborhood. Local architect Herbert Foltz designed the house for prominent Indiana author Meredith Nicholson and his wife Eugenie, and in late 1903 the Nicholson family moved in. Nicholson wrote his best-selling book The House of a Thousand Candles in the third-floor study, and today the house has taken on the book’s title as a moniker. In 2018, a major renovation to the house updated the interior and exterior of the building to better accommodate events.

The Nicholson House’s central meeting space is located on the first floor. The Virginia Beall Ball Library, coworking room and outdoor porch and patio combine to create a flexible space that can accommodate intimate meetings, retreats and gatherings when not otherwise booked for an Indiana Humanities program. The space is available for rent to mission-aligned nonprofit organizations Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM. To inquire about renting the Nicholson House for your meeting, please reach out to Events Associate Hailey DeWolf at hdewolf@indianahumanities.org

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The front of the Nicholson House at 1500 N. Delaware St.

The Virginia Beall Ball library is perfect for meetings, small events, wedding ceremonies and more. The pocket doors to the space allow for flexibility in space size.

The coworking room is adjacent to the Virginia Beall Ball Library and is great for small meetings, cocktail hours, dinners and more.

Our catering kitchen is ideal for staging and prepping food.

The patio and porch just outside the Virginia Beall Ball Library creates an intimate outdoor space for small events or a great extension from the first floor.

The dining room has a large table and buffet that allows for a variety of set-up for food service.

FAQS

What is the capacity of Indiana Humanities?

Depending upon your set-up needs, the first floor can accommodate up to 75 guests and more than 100 with use of the outdoor space.

Is Indiana Humanities wheelchair accessible?

The first floor is accessible by ramp. The second-floor conference room is not accessible.

Does Indiana Humanities have required vendors?

Indiana Humanities does not have a list of required vendors, allowing you to use your favorite caterers and others. If you need assistance with finding vendors, we’re happy to give you suggestions.

May I serve alcohol at Indiana Humanities?

Alcohol is permitted in the building. Renters are responsible for following Indiana’s laws regarding serving alcohol. Indiana Humanities is a non-smoking building.

Are decorations permitted?

Sparklers or other pyrotechnic displays, fog and smoke machines and anything that may be detrimental to the integrity of the building are not permitted. Other decorations must be approved by Indiana Humanities. Use of adhesive flip charts are permitted on the walls only; please do not adhere anything to artwork.

Can the art be removed from the walls?

Any request to move Indiana Humanities’ collection of art must be negotiated with the staff. Additional costs may be incurred to accommodate requests to move art or other décor.

Is parking available?

There is plentiful free street parking around the Nicholson House. Our six private parking spaces can be used outside our normal office hours.

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Want to know more about the Nicholson House’s history?

Learn more about the former home of Indiana author Meredith Nicholson and his wife Eugenie at 1500 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis’s Old Northside neighborhood here.